John Alexander has a simple explanation for taking on the Australian Fed Cup captaincy with the team at its lowest ebb.

"I think I can make a difference. I think I can help," Alexander said after being named as Evonne Goolagong Cawley's successor to the much sought-after position.

The former Davis Cup winner and top-10 player was selected from a field of 12 applicants and, ultimately, edged out French Open semi-finalist Nicole Bradtke and Geoff Masters.

Alexander, 53, is the first man to fill the role since Neale Fraser in 1978.

"I don't think gender is an issue," he said.

"Tennis in Australia and Tennis Australia are going through some significant changes at this moment and probably the pointy end is the realisation that we only have one male player in the top 100 and three female players in the top 100.

"But there is a commitment to change. In some ways, (my appointment) might be seen as a very brave decision to do this, but I think it's evident of Tennis Australia's commitment to change and trying to turn things around."

In the absence of team spearhead Alicia Molik, Australia was this year relegated from the Fed Cup World Group for the first time in history.

But Alexander said the state of tennis in Australia was anything but dire.

"And it has a very healthy future," he said.

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